During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 720: Never turn back, guaranteed minimum of 20 billion with no upper limit!

In fact, apart from a few main-theme tribute films, very few film producers choose the Great Hall as the venue for the premiere because it simply cannot hold the place.

This time, Operation Mekong applied for this hall that can accommodate 2,000 people at the suggestion of Golden Shield.

In the words of the department leaders as relayed by Director Zhong, such a main-theme commercial blockbuster, a positive-energy film that showcases the style of our military and police, deserves it!

At this moment, the golden hall is crowded and bustling.

Producers, directors, and actors gathered in their respective circles in groups of three or four, chatting with each other about topics of interest or sharing information.

Many projects in the entertainment industry are often finalized at such occasions. No wonder so many people are trying their best to fit into the circle.

However, although the scene was lively and the atmosphere was active and enthusiastic, due to the space, it did not seem noisy or boring at all, and the experience was very good.

Wei Jin was thinking that his next science fiction blockbuster would also have its premiere ceremony here, which would definitely be shocking!
Amid the enthusiastic greetings, Wei Jin and Jing Tian came to the front of the large group - Chen Xi, Lin Chaoxian, Li Bingbing, Zhang Hanyu, Liao Fan, Dong Jinsong, Song Yi.
"Oh my goodness, President Wei, the specifications we have today are definitely top-notch in the industry, right?"

As soon as Wei Jin walked over, photographer Dong Jinsong came up and whispered something.

"Boss, the higher the standard, the greater the pressure. If we can't take back the box office record this time, it will be a slap in the face."

"Director Wei, you are too modest. In my opinion, our movie will definitely make over 20 billion. I will definitely benefit from your help this time, haha."

Li Bingbing complimented him with a smile, but his tone was full of determination.

At this moment, Li Bingbing recalled the popularity she had received during the promotional activities in the previous half month. It was a level of madness that she had never seen in her film career.

It was not until she worked with Wei Jin that she felt firsthand how strong the appeal of a top director is!

It's a pity that I didn't get to go further with this man when I was on the set.
"Then I'll take your good words and hope you get what you want."

Wei Jin didn't know that Li Bingbing had such complicated thoughts, so he smiled and nodded in response.

At this time, Jing Tian suddenly pulled Wei Jin's sleeve and said, "Brother, Mr. Han seems to be calling you."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin looked over and saw Old Han waving in the distance, and the person next to him was the big boss of the department.

"Okay, then you guys chat first, I'll go over and listen to the leader's teachings, hehe"

As he spoke, Wei Jin walked towards the uniformed team, and the eyes of the people at the scene more or less followed him. After all, that group of rarely seen big guys were really eye-catching in the entertainment industry.

"Director Wei Jin, Xiao Ma praised the finished film to the skies. I'm going to have to appreciate it later, hahaha."

As soon as he approached, before Wei Jin had time to say hello, the leader of the department started to make jokes, and Director Ma from the Propaganda Bureau at the side could only smile along.

"Sir, Director Ma is too kind. I just made some changes to the real story. It is far inferior to the twists and turns faced by our frontline drug enforcement officers."

"Hey, young people should be more aggressive. Being too modest is not a good thing."

The leader smiled and let it go, then asked, "How is it, how confident are you about the box office?"

Wei Jin could tell that the leaders in the department also cared a lot about the box office.

But there's nothing wrong with that. Main-theme commercial blockbusters are still commercial films after all. No matter how much they are praised, they will ultimately have to rely on box office performance to speak for themselves.

In other words, the better the box office results, the better the effect of "Operation Mekong" in promoting the main theme, and the larger the population and scope covered!

While Wei Jin was still organizing his words, he heard Han Sanping answering the question in advance, and his answer sounded quite decent.

"Don't worry, boss. From what I know about Wei Jin, his performance in commercial films will basically only go up and he will never go back!"

"Well, I can't guarantee the final results, but it shouldn't be a problem for the domestic box office to exceed Gravity and even break the 20 billion mark."

"good very good."

Listening to Wei Jin's "Gravity", a smile appeared on the leader's face, and he didn't want to hide his competitive spirit anymore.

No wonder, even though it has been more than a year since Gravity was released at the end of 12, it is still an achievement that the Space Administration and the Film Bureau often mention.

Of course, the leaders of the GA department also want to get a copy!
"By the way, the movie will be released the day after tomorrow. Um, wait until the National Day is over and then you can apply for the extension key. The Film Bureau has been notified and it will be approved as soon as possible.

This can also stimulate the film market and provide the greatest support and help for film promotion.”

Wow, the leader of the department has a different tone. He directly used the word "notice". Neither Han Sanping nor La Peikang, who lagged behind a little, showed any sign of abnormality.

"Thank you, boss. I will make the arrangements. After the National Day holiday, I will go to the Film Bureau early in the morning and wait for them to go to work."

Wei Jin smiled and thanked him, but the leader added, "Well, remember to keep a low profile."

"clear."

Time passed quickly as I chatted with my leader.

At almost ten o'clock, a staff member came to inform us that the premiere was about to begin.

As the host Xiao Sa came on stage to warm up the audience, many guests took their seats.

Needless to say, seating arrangements for such occasions follow strict rules, with the first two rows reserved for the uniformed team.

The uniformly dressed people sat there and the scene became quiet.

Starting from the third row, there are the CEOs, directors, and producers of major film and television companies. The positions after that are also ranked in order of status and influence in the circle.

After a brief opening speech, Xiao Sa invited today’s guest performer Eason Chan to perform “The Lone Brave Man” on stage.

Dancing with him were dancers from the General Political Department Art Troupe.

I have to say that this song really fits the theme of "Operation Mekong". As the song sounded, the scene became more solemn.

"Xiao Ma, this song was also written by Wei Jin, right? It's really good. I heard that it's been used in anti-drug propaganda in many places."

"Yes, boss. Not only that, it is said that it has been covered abroad and is very popular."

"Yeah, okay, okay."

The leader's whispered praise did not affect the performance on stage. After the song was over, thunderous applause broke out from the audience.

At this time, Wei Jin and the main creative team also appeared on stage at the invitation of the host.

"Director Wei, you were the first to propose the concept of mainstream commercial films. In your opinion, what is the difference between mainstream commercial films and ordinary mainstream films?"

The reporter from the movie channel asked the first question, and the rest of the media also kept a close eye on Wei Jin.

"So-called mainstream commercial films are based on mainstream stories and are performed using the techniques of commercial films. Strictly speaking, this is not a classification of a genre of film.

If I were to say what the difference is from previous mainstream films, I think it should be that there are fewer long-winded sermons, and it strives to be entertaining and educational, and evolve invisibly."

Listening to Wei Jin's explanation, many art film directors and even directors and producers from established film studios in the audience had a thoughtful look on their faces.

At this time, another reporter asked a question.

"Director Wei Jin, the film is adapted from the Mekong River case. When you were writing the script, did you strive to restore it to its truest form?" "No, I can't be completely true."

"Why? Is it because of the scale?"

The reporter intended to steer the topic towards an event that caused a stir last year, but Wei Jin was not fooled.

“Because the real [Mekong River Case] ​​was far more brutal than what was shown in the film, and the entire arrest process was also more dangerous than what was portrayed in the film.

There may not be an accurate number of how many people died in this case, because in addition to the police, many comrades from the secret front participated in the operation.

Because the matter involves top secrets, even the names of the victims will not be reported. These people are what we often call the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.

As the saying goes: Art comes from reality, but should be higher than reality.

But I want to say that in Operation Mekong, art originates from reality, but cannot reach the height of reality—only because there are our fearless heroes in it! "

While Wei Jin was speaking, he also clearly noticed that the leaders in the first two rows were very satisfied with his answer, with undisguised smiles on their faces.

"Director Wei, this is your first time working with Teacher Li Bingbing. What do you think of her?"

"Yes, she is a very dedicated actress. When she came for the audition, she took the initiative to cut her hair short. This takes a lot of courage!"

"Director Wei, may I ask?"

"Director Lin Chaoxian, may I ask?"

"Teacher Li Bingbing, may I ask?"

In the half-hour interview, the media reporters basically took care of all aspects, and the main creative team basically gave topics to talk about, even the newcomer Song Yi was no exception.

Nearing half past ten, the lights dimmed and the main film finally began to play.

As Wei Jin had said before, main-theme commercial films use the main theme as the story tone and are performed using the techniques of commercial films.

Its characteristic is that it can mobilize the audience's emotions anytime and anywhere, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the tense and exciting storyline.

This is the essence of mainstream commercial films that can be so popular in later generations!

It’s just that many times, some directors fail to grasp the right timing and tend to resort to stiff sensationalism and preaching, thus returning to the old ways.

Wei Jin and Jing Tian sat in the second row, holding each other's hands, and watching the movie quietly.

However, judging from the reactions of people around me, it can be seen that "Operation Mekong" is undoubtedly a success.

"Brother, many directors are watching it very seriously." Fuguihua glanced back and then reported to Wei Jin in a low voice.

"It's normal. If Operation Mekong and the subsequent Taking Tiger Mountain were successful, mainstream commercial films would become popular."

Wei Jin replied with a smile, but he had made up his mind in his heart that when the time really came, it would be time for him to say goodbye to mainstream movies.

The two-hour filming ended quickly, and amidst thunderous applause, Wei Jin and the main creative team took to the stage again.

Needless to say, the problem we have to face this time is definitely related to the box office.

"Director Wei, congratulations! Operation Mekong is so exciting and great."

"Thank you."

"As the only film to dominate the National Day box office this year, what are your expectations for the performance of Operation Mekong? Don't be too low-key, we all want to hear something exciting, hahahaha."

Wow, everyone on the stage couldn't help laughing at this, and there were also bursts of laughter from the audience.

Only a reporter from the movie channel would dare to ask such a question. How arrogant!

Taking the microphone, Wei Jin glanced at Han Sanping, La Peikang, Ren Zhonglun, Deng Dong in the second row, and Wang Changtian, Ye Ning and others in the third row.

"You've already said it, the movie is dominating the National Day box office. If I can't regain the box office record I lost a few months ago, I will be ashamed to face the people of Jiangdong."

"Hahaha, Director Wei is so real."

There was good-natured laughter from the audience again, but of course there were also people who felt bitter inside, and at this time, the media were still asking questions.

"Director Wei, how much do you think the box office will be?"

Under the expectant gaze of countless people, Wei Jin gave a firm answer.

"The minimum guarantee is 20 billion, there is no upper limit!"

Thunderous applause broke out again.

But no one at the scene questioned Wei Jin's words, because "Operation Mekong", which dominated the schedule, had the qualifications!
After another half an hour of interview, it was almost one o'clock and the lunch officially began.

However, many actors, artists and filmmakers are preparing to leave early, as they still have to attend the Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony in the evening.

"Sister Ziyi, I wish you success in winning the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress."

"Then I'll take advantage of Tiantian's good words. But since you won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress a long time ago, don't you plan to go to the three major European awards or the Oscars later?"

While Zhang Ziyi was speaking, she glanced at Wei Jin in the distance and sighed inwardly, not knowing what she was regretting.

"Maybe, but that depends on Director Wei, hehe"

Jing Tian and Zhang Ziyi smiled and hugged each other without saying much. The latter had to leave early because the flight was after three o'clock.

On the other side, Director Ma from the Propaganda Bureau brought people from the Air Force and Navy to Wei Jin, indeed they came to seek cooperation.

Of course, this is not the big boss who came to show his support today. After all, this kind of thing can be left to the people below.

To be honest, the Wei and Jin dynasties had almost no dealings with either the naval administration or the air administration.

Even with the army, we only had some contact during the filming of "Wolf Warrior".

If we have to say it, it was Li Dazui, who came from the Air Force Art Troupe, with whom Shanhe Media had indirect cooperation.

As expected, Director Liu from the Air Force Political Department took the opportunity to talk about actors.

He said frankly that there are many excellent actors in the Air Force Art Troupe, and as long as the script is suitable, he hopes to have more cooperation in the future.

"Director Liu, you're too polite. I will definitely do it if I have the chance. I remember Ms. Yin Tao is from the Air Force Political Department. Her acting skills are pretty good, but she's not really suitable for this role."

Having said that, Wei Jin paused unconsciously, glanced at Zhang Yi who was eating not far away, and suddenly a drama emerged in his mind.

"Director Liu, I think our cooperation can start with a TV series."

"Ok?"

At this moment, Director Ma of the Publicity Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, Director Wang of the Navy Political Department, and Director Liu of the Air Force Political Department were all filled with question marks.

This... Is this a direction for cooperation?
(End of this chapter)